Doing Business

Steps for Opening a Business

Step 1: Business Planning

The most successful businesses and leaders have a clear plan in place – a “Business Plan” – that highlights your product, expertise, funding strategy, growth goals, and everything else that will contribute to your business’s success. Nearly all lenders require this for business loans and it is a widely respected practice.

The City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) is a “one-stop-shop” for businesses and provides business consultants to guide businesses through the local government processes. This office also provides resources on how to start your business and informative seminars on how to grow are offered by the City of Chicago.

Step 2: Determine Your Legal Entity

Whether you’re a sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, non-profit, or other business models, you will need to identify as such with the State of Illinois.

Step 3: Register Your Business with the State

If you plan to do business in Illinois, regardless of if you’re based in Illinois, you’ll need to register as an employer with the State of Illinois.

Step 4: Find a Location & Check the zoning

Are you looking for retail or office space in Lakeview or Roscoe Village? We can help! Whether you're looking to open a new business in Lakeview or Roscoe Village, or you're an existing business considering expansion, we can provide complimentary access to available storefront listings and critical market insights using data provided by leading real estate and economic research firms CoStar and Esri. Share basic information about your search and a member of our team will follow up with custom reports tailored to your needs.

We typically respond within two business days. For more information or further assistance, please call the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce at (773) 472-7171.

Examples of information we can provide includes:

• Storefronts available for lease or purchase

• Demographic data

• Consumer spending habits

• Local expertise and perspective to help guide your decision making

Request more information.

Once you’ve narrowed down locations for your business. You need to check on the zoning. There are several different zoning classifications in the City of Chicago and checking the address for the building you hope to lease before you sign anything is critical to ensuring you can complete what you set out to do as a business professional. We highly recommend working with a local attorney if the business you are hoping to open requires any changes or special variance to the zoning.

• Zoning map

• What is allowed in each zone?

Step 5: Licensing

The City’s Small Business Center issues business licenses and regulates the business activities of all industries in the City of Chicago. To apply for a business license you may apply online or meet in-person with one of the City’s business consultants. Understanding what can be done with each business license is critical to doing business legally in the City of Chicago.

Small Business Center
City Hall, Room 800
121 N. LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60602

• City of Chicago licensing list

Step 6: Permitting

Depending on the license type, an inspection by one or various City departments must be conducted before license issuance. Permits are also required for outdoor signage, awning, sidewalk cafes, and other decorative ornaments.

For helpful information about signage permits and neighborhood design guidelines, download our Good Storefront Design brochure.

• Sign permits, etc.

Step 7: Other Requirements

For some industries, a background check or other requirements must be met before licenses and permits can be issued. Check the City of Chicago’s website for more information.

Step 8: Join the Chamber!

The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce is a helpful resource and can help spread the word about your opening, provide referrals for the services and customers your business needs to succeed! Join today.

Step 9: Open your doors!